The Camry Hybrid is here

‘Affordable’ is the new buzzword across the luxury auto market these days. BMWs and Mercs included.

Toyota Camry Hybrid Though Toyota doesn’t have a diesel engine model of the Camry for us yet, the Japanese carmaker has made adequate amends by launching the hybrid version of the car instead. The Camry Hybrid uses a petrol engine mated to an electric motor that together generates a very hefty 205hp. And this, with a claimed mileage of 19kmpl, which is a significant bump up from the petrol-only variant that squeezed under 13kmpl, that too if you were lucky to travel on wide open roads. If added fuel efficiency turns you on, you’ll need to shell out Rs 5 lakh more than the petrol variant, with the hybrid coming in at Rs 29.75 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV The Indian rupee continues its ardent climb towards the stratosphere and luxury carmakers are bumping up prices as imports get very expensive. Mercedes-Benz has taken a different route for its GL-Class SUV. The German carmaker has begun assembling this behemoth of a vehicle at its Chakan factory. This move effectively helps offset the depreciating rupee’s impact on the SUV’s pricing. Powered by a 3-liter turbodiesel engine that pumps out 258hp/620Nm, this big toy is priced at Rs 72.58 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.

BMW 1-Series Come 3rd September, BMW will launch the 1-Series hatchback in India. Dubbed to be the least priced Bimmer in the country, prices have been speculated to begin from Rs 21 lakh for the petrol model, and from Rs 22.9 lakh for the diesel variant. The 1.6-liter turbopetrol engine generates 136hp/220 Nm, while the 2-liter turbodiesel engine is capable of 143hp/320Nm. Both engines drive the rear wheels of the car through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 535 Royal Enfield’s latest bike, the Continental GT 535, has begun serial production in the new factory at Oragadam near Chennai. This motorcycle will be the new flagship model in the Royal Enfield range, with a UK launch due at London’s famed Ace Café next month with an India launch slated for October. The café racer-styled motorcycle will be the fastest production Royal Enfield as it packs a more powerful 535cc engine, and is significantly lighter to boot.